Ellen Pompeo had some bold criticisms for Porter magazine while she and fellow actresses Gabrielle Union, Gina Rodriguez and Emma Roberts sat down for a roundtable discussion for the publication’s annual “Women in Television” issue.
The longtime “Grey’s Anatomy” star was happy to be included in the conversation, but disappointed with the lack of diversity she saw within the crew’s ranks and told the magazine as much mid-interview.
“This day has been incredible, and there’s a ton of women in the room. But, I don’t see enough color,” Pompeo said. “And I didn’t see enough color when I walked in the room today. And I had a meeting with a director of another endorsement project that I’m doing.”
Pompeo said she told that director it was important to her to see a set “look like the world that I walk around in every day,” adding, “And I think it’s up to all productions to make sure that your crew looks like the world we see.”
“As caucasian people, it’s our job, it’s our task, it’s our responsibility to make sure that we speak up in every single room we walk into. That this is not OK and that we can all do better,” Pompeo added. “It’s our job because we’ve created the problem.”
“Wow,” Union, Rodriguez and Roberts exclaimed, before the four ladies partook in a “cheers” to Pompeo’s comments.
Pompeo’s speech was applauded by several fans and stars online, including “Grey’s” creator Shonda Rhimes and sportscaster Jemele Hill.
Go, Ellen, GO. @EllenPompeo pic.twitter.com/Oj1YS3cq5G
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) November 19, 2018
1) White people sometimes ask me how they can be an ally. @EllenPompeo puts on a master class in how to be one.
2) @itsgabrielleu’s facial expressions are a whole ass mood.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 20, 2018
Watch the video above. Pompeo’s remarks about lack of color in the room begin at the 16:20 mark.